Thirty years ago, “Small Town Murder” was originally a two-hour movie. Over the years, it developed into a syndicated series for Canada and Fox Television.
The first season of “Small Town” had its ups and downs as it tried to find its footing and establish itself as a murder mystery procedural.
While we think the series would have benefited from more episodes, it’s only eight episodes long, so it’s time to rank and review its most memorable and least satisfying series moments.
Best TV Series: Small Town Season 1 Episode 1
Maybe picking up the first episode of Season 1 of Small Town was a cop-out. However, the extra thirty minutes help flesh out the story and introduce viewers to the heart of the series: Carl and Cassandra’s romance.
Within minutes, a murder occurs, but interspersed with a blind date meeting between the police chief and the local librarian. Not many police procedurals put romance at the forefront.
The premiere was also a success due to James Cromwell’s multi-layered performance as George Wilcox. You suspect he killed his neighbor almost immediately, but the motive is unclear.
As MEP Jeff Wachtel said, Cromwell behaved bizarrely in hiding evidence. You almost feel bad for Wilcox because he saw his stepfather being abusive to his mom and sister so he wanted to save his sister from her abusive husband but again he failed.
It also shows that these cases are not black and white. Most of these suspects are not evil serial killers but products of their childhoods, which made them react.
Worst Episode: Small Town Murders Season 1 Episode 6
Small Town Season 1 Episode 6 is one of the most disappointing episodes, and not just because it’s not based on LR Wright’s material. I trust Ian Weir and his team to understand the protagonist.
What bothers me is that the show makes Dr. Lewis, the psychiatrist, into an evil person. They squandered a real opportunity to have her and the detective go old school. Alberg teams up to analyze Sean and learn why he killed the politician.
Instead, it’s all about power, control, and letting him do her dirty work for her.
It’s painful to watch her play mind games with Carl, even if she’s partially right about Cassandra.
This makes the situation worse. While Carl is a good guy, Cassandra really needs some rest to heal after being kidnapped.
Carl and Cassandra’s best moment: They realize they want each other
Carl and Cassandra got together quickly and had many moments together, but the show pulled them apart.
The best thing, however, is when they realize they both want their relationship to work out. Cassandra is right. They tend to overthink things, which often gets in the way. Carl will always be the cop and she will always speak her mind.
They either need to accept these quirks or they don’t. I love that they surrender to their sizzling chemistry.
Kristen Kreuk and Rossif Sutherland joked around naturally, and she put him at ease even more.
While we’re relieved they ended the season together, we’ll need a second season to see this relationship develop.
Best Supporting Actor: Sergeant Sid Sokolowski
It’s a battle between Sergeant Sid and Corporal Yen as they both work harder but Sid is the more fan favorite.
His presence helps other characters, from mentoring Carl as a father to boosting Corporal Yen’s self-esteem on the job.
But there’s nothing better than watching Sid jump into the fire in Small Town Season 1 Episode 3.
The cases sometimes have a big impact on Sid as we learn about his late sister’s drug problem. His compassion makes him a better police officer.
Worst Supporting Actor: Andy Kendrick
There’s often a sense that Fritz Klevins-Destin’s Andy Kendrick is wasted. He tries hard but seems to often mess up, either leaving out some evidence or flirting with witnesses.
As Sid mentioned, Kendrick survived on his charisma. This becomes tiresome after a while.
The best part about him is his growing friendship with Corporal Yan, but she’s even more fun to watch.
He redeems himself by saving Carl’s life, but I’m not sure how much more they can do to him.
Best Guest Star: Erica Durance as Emma O’Brea
“Murder in the Town” has many guest stars, but the reunion of Smallville’s Erica Durance and Christine Cronk is a special treat.
The ladies wanted to work on a project together that would allow them to showcase their real-life friendship as childhood friends in the series.
They could have had more layered scenes, with Durance playing an anxious wife worried about her missing husband.
“Small Town Murder” makes the most of Durance’s talents, giving the episode a “Gone Girl” vibe. It’s one of the best episodes, partly because of Durance and Crook’s connection.
Overall grade: B
Adapting mysteries and thrillers is challenging, and condensing a novel into an episode doesn’t always work for this series.
The format of this week’s case is, for the most part, effective. However, some cases may be more effective if they have longer breathing times. That’s why the series premiere and two-part season finale performed best.
However, there are some positive aspects to Small Town Murder. In addition to Carl and Cassandra’s relationship, the show also has a strong supporting cast and great guest stars.
Aaron Douglas and Mya Lowe can play scenes as Sergeant Sid or Corporal Zhen playing their characters. We can’t wait to learn more about them.
The show features guest appearances by famous actors, starting with James Cromwell, but Stana Katic, Erica Durance and Noah Reed are also popular.
Season 2 might be even better if the show gets renewed and some tweaks are made.
Over to you, TV fanatics. What did you think of Season 1 of Small Town Murders?
Let us know in the comments.
Watch Small Town Murders 2024 online
